Where to Go for a Spokane Driver's License and What to Bring

The Spokane Driver's License Office Locations and Hours

Washington State runs one full-service driver's license office in Spokane, located at 1919 West Broadway Avenue. This office handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and most other license transactions. You can reach them at (509) 334-6000 during business hours.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Hours can shift seasonally or due to staffing, so calling ahead or checking the Washington Department of Licensing website before you go saves a trip. The office does not take walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis — you will need an appointment.

If you live in a smaller Spokane County town, you may also find limited services at the Spokane Valley office or through mail-in renewal for certain transactions. Not all services are available at every location, so confirm what you need before you travel.

Key Takeaways

The main Spokane driver's license office is at 1919 West Broadway Avenue and requires an appointment, not walk-in service.
You must bring a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of residency and your Social Security number to get a new license.
Renewals by mail are available if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or medical restrictions.
The office processes new licenses, replacements, and corrections, but some services like commercial driver's license testing happen at a separate location.

How to Schedule an Appointment

Washington State uses an online appointment system for the Spokane office. You can book a time slot through the Department of Licensing website or by calling (509) 334-6000. Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance during busy seasons, so plan ahead if you need a license by a specific date.

When you book, you will choose the type of transaction — new license, renewal, replacement, or name change — so the office knows how long to block for your visit. Bring your confirmation number or appointment details with you on the day you go.

Documents You Need for a New License

A new Washington driver's license requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, or a tribal ID. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth. If you were born outside the United States, you will also need to show proof of legal presence — a green card, work visa, or I-94 form.

For proof of residency, bring a recent document showing your current Washington address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail alone is not enough — it must be paired with an identity document.

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you will need to bring additional documents and complete extra steps — ask the office about this when you call.

Renewing Your License by Mail or in Person

If your Washington license is still valid and you have not changed your name, address, or medical restrictions, you can renew by mail without visiting the office. The Department of Licensing will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. Follow the instructions on that notice to mail in your renewal form and fee.

Mail-in renewal takes about two weeks. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail — you must visit the office in person and bring the same documents as a new license applicant.

If you prefer to renew in person, book an appointment at the Spokane office. In-person renewal is faster than mail and lets you update your photo or address on the spot if needed.

Real ID Compliance and What It Means

Real ID is a federal security standard that affects which documents Washington accepts for a driver's license. As of May 2025, you need a Real ID-compliant license to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building.

A Washington Real ID license looks the same as a regular license but has a small star in the upper right corner. When you get a new license or renew in person, the office will ask whether you want Real ID compliance. If you say yes, you must bring documents that prove your identity and legal presence — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID — rather than just signing an affidavit.

If you already have a Real ID license, you do not need to do anything. If your current license does not have the star and you want one, you can request it at your next renewal or visit.

Commercial Driver's License Testing

If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a CDL endorsement, the Spokane office does not handle testing. Washington State contracts with third-party testing sites for CDL exams. You must first pass the written knowledge test at the main driver's license office, then schedule your skills test at an approved testing location.

Call the Spokane office at (509) 334-6000 to ask about CDL testing locations near you and how to register for the written exam. The process takes longer than a regular license renewal, so plan several weeks ahead.

What to Do If You Lose Your License or It Gets Damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Spokane office. Book an appointment and bring your identity and residency documents — the same as you would for a renewal. The replacement fee is lower than a new license fee.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police for your records, though it is not required to get a replacement. Bring the police report number if you have one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID license on the same day as my appointment?

No. Real ID licenses are mailed to your address after your appointment, usually within two weeks. Bring your passport or birth certificate to prove your identity and legal presence, and the office will process your Real ID request during your visit.

What if I moved to Spokane from another state?

You will need a new Washington license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your new Spokane address, and your identity documents. You do not need to surrender your old license, but Washington will deactivate it in the system.

Do I need an appointment if I just want to ask a question?

The office does not have a walk-in window for questions. Call (509) 334-6000 to speak with staff by phone, or book an appointment if you need to handle a transaction in person.

How much does a new Washington driver's license cost?

Fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. Call the office or check the Department of Licensing website for current pricing, as fees change periodically.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you must visit the office in person and bring the same documents as a new license applicant. You cannot renew by mail once your license has been expired for more than a certain period — ask the office about the exact timeline when you call.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.